DNA analysis has identified the victim of a homicide victim whose skull was found near Geneseo almost 60 years ago.

In October of 1966 a postman discovered a human skull near a creek southeast of Geneseo.

The FBI determined that a bullet hole at the base of the skull was the cause of the death and that the man had died one to five years earlier.

The skull was said to be that of a man between 16 and 30, but until now the victim’s name was a mystery.

DNA analysis has now identified the skull as that of Ronald Joe Cole.

According to a news release from the DNA Doe Project, Cole was 19 when he was reported missing from Fillmore, Calif. His half-brother, David LeFever, had been named as the prime suspect in the disappearance and murder.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office brought the case to the DNA Doe Project, whose expert volunteer genetic geologists work pro bono to identify Jane and John Does.

A DNA profile was generated from the skull and uploaded to a website that revealed a number of matches in the second- and third-cousin range.

“We are very grateful for the relatives who chose to upload their DNA results” to the website, said team leader Gwen Knapp. “Unusually, our team had good matches on both the father’s side and the mother’s side to work with.”

The DNA Doe team found information pointing to Ronald Joe Cole, a murder victim whose body had never been found. Further testing determined that the skull found near Geneseo was that of Cole.

Cole had been living with LeFever at the time of his disappearance. LaFever and his wife Margaret were arrested in 1983 on other charges when it emerged that LaFever had previously confessed to murdering his brother.

Margaret’s brother had gone missing in 1977 and in 1984 his body was found in a shallow grave near the LaFevers’ former home. Police identified as LaFever as the prime suspect in both cases, but he was never charged with either crime.

The DNA Doe Project news release did not indicate where LaFever is now, or if he is still living.

On its Facebook page, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office said:

“The Henry County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to seeking truth and providing answers for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Ronald J. Cole during this difficult time, as they receive confirmation after so many years of uncertainty.”

Further information can be obtained by contacting the HCSO. The investigation remains active and ongoing. There is no threat to the public in regard to this investigation.

The HCSO extends its deepest gratitude to all partners who contributed to this successful identification, including:

Henry County State’s Attorney Catherine Runty,
Henry County Coroner Melissa Watkins,
Geneseo Family Dentistry
Dr. Jennifer Mack, University of Iowa – Bioarchaeologist,
The incredible dedicated team at DNA Doe Project, whose expertise and commitment were instrumental in bringing closure to this matter.